Specialities
Anxiety, Trauma, and PTSD
Trauma can create emotional wounds and brain changes which can cause one tremendous pain and make the world and interactions with others seem overwhelming. I primarily work in a relational manner developing a close bond order to guide you through sharing your story and integrating it into your whole self rather than having it be a dark secret or constantly on the forefront of your mind. I will typically use and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to process the trauma itself and then incorporate psychoeducation, mindfulness, and skills training in order to help you manage your mind and gain a new level of comfort moving through the world.
Non-Traditional Relationships and Sexuality
I believe love, intimacy, and sexuality can all be important parts of a rich and fulfilling human experience. However the pressures of society can be stifling and create tremendous anxiety when it comes to attempting to live a worthwhile and authentic life. I specialize in working with individuals and couples whom have relationship configurations or sexual practices that may be considered non-traditional and may not have been understood or accepted by other providers. Lifestyles that involve Kink, BDSM, consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, or explorations of gender identity, gender presentation, or other sexual preferences are areas I feel very comfortable exploring and working with in individuals or couples therapy.
Family Therapy
Families are complex systems that often perpetuate cycles of behavior that become routine, even if they are painful or no longer working. Breaking those cycles takes emotional healing and practicing new ways of being that require the efforts of everyone in the family. I have been trained in Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy, an evidenced based practiced used by many county governments to administer court mandated in-home family therapy and substance abuse treatment, and it informs my practice with families. Through learning skills and connecting with family members in a new or forgotten way, a complex system can change to promote honest, loving, and supportive relationships with firm healthy boundaries.